The Expected Journey Ends [IC]

[Lentrax]

Too bad. She was kinda cute....

[Infernally Clay]

[QUOTE=Infernally Clay;25939192]

Nithlaya Battlemaster Fighter // Swords Bard AC: 21 | HP: 22/40 | Initiative: +2 Saves: +4 / +4 / +5 / +1 / +2 / +6 Spell Slots: 1st: 1/4 | 2nd: 2/3 Bardic Inspiration: d6: 1/4 Superiority Die: d8: 2/4 | d6: 1/1 Active Effects: None Conditions: Ordered, Blessed

With the enemy retreating, Nithlaya drops to one knee and coughs some blood. Magic can close wounds but the pain still hurts. She looks up at the soldiers and calls out "And don't come back or you'll get more of what I gave you!" Her laugh is weak, but spirited.

"Where did Minnet go?" she asks the others, "Did anyone see her disappear?"

[Lentrax]

Hinoka absentmindedly reached into a pouch as she kept looking around.

No idea, she says with a sigh as she pulls out a small clay jar with a stopper in it. She wiggles out the stopper and pulls a few leaves out of it. She hands them down to Nith, with a quick, Chew these. Don’t swallow the leaves. Just chew them. They’ll help fill the pain a bit.

She watches the soldiers continuing to retreat.

Well. I don’t know about anyone else, but I could use a drink and a smoke.

[Ilerien]

- Retreating already? Very cowardly of you, sir, - says Darren derisively in a raised voice so the retreating force hears him then turns his attention towards his companions. - I agree completely. We should return to the duke's manor to rest, recuperate and have some drinks. And answers, naturally.

[Infernally Clay]

Nithlaya Battlemaster Fighter // Swords Bard AC: 21 | HP: 22/40 | Initiative: +2 Saves: +4 / +4 / +5 / +1 / +2 / +6 Spell Slots: 1st: 1/4 | 2nd: 2/3 Bardic Inspiration: d6: 1/4 Superiority Die: d8: 2/4 | d6: 1/1 Active Effects: None Conditions: Blessed

"Woah, woah, woah, hold up," Nith says, holding her hand up in front of Hinoka, "I said we'd fight your enemies but when they're gone you will tell us everything. Well now they're gone, so talk."

[Lentrax]

What I can. But over a drink. Not here. Not with this… thing… still here, Hinoka says, gesturing to the portal, Let’s… let’s go somewhere else. For a bit.

[JNAProductions]

You return to the Duke's manor. No one comments on your damage or anything like that.

The wine cellar is well-stocked, and you're able to grab a few bottles to discuss matters over.

[Ilerien]

Spoiler: Statblock

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Darren Arwana Whispers Bard // Vengeance Paladin AC 19 | HP 40/40 | Init 2 Saves: 7 / 3 / 5 / 1 / 2 / 7 Spell slots: 1st 6/7 | 2nd 2/3 Spells: shield 0/1 Bardic Inspiration d6 5/5 Channel Divinity 0/1 Lay on Hands 20/20 Divine Sense 6/6 Concentration: none Effects: none Conditions: none

While his companions raid the wine cellar, Darren makes a trip to his room to retrieve his sword and don his cuirass.

They'll chalk it up to my vainglory hopefully. A heroic knight in his shining armor. Sigh.

[Talivan]

Late in the manor, Kiraz asked to Hinoka:

So...Hinoka, cough...what's was that?, I don't mind backup you... cough...but at least give us a hint of what's happening

Kiraz still struggling from last battle because she was very injured.

[Lentrax]

Hinoka sat in a chair. A very conveniently accommodating chair.

It was facing the fire and, just as importantly, had a stand for a pipe on the table next to it, which was conveniently appropriately sized for her long, thin stemmed pipe. It was also seemingly made for someone with a tail, as hers was remarkably comfortable at the moment.

She was now sitting in the chair. She had been for some minutes now. Smoking, and drinking and staring into the crackling flames. And muttering to herself.

The cough pulled her out of her thoughts.

There have been many things that never added up for me.

She blows a stream of smoke out, as she considers her next words.

But the most important factor in my thoughts is how many we have killed to get to where we are. Namely, zero. Not a one. On a quest such as we’ve been on? The foes we’ve fought, and trials overcome? Not one person has died.

She takes another puff on the pipe.

[Ilerien]

Spoiler: Statblock

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Darren Arwana Whispers Bard // Vengeance Paladin AC 19 | HP 40/40 | Init 2 Saves: 7 / 3 / 5 / 1 / 2 / 7 Spell slots: 1st 6/7 | 2nd 2/3 Spells: shield 0/1 Bardic Inspiration d6 5/5 Channel Divinity 0/1 Lay on Hands 20/20 Divine Sense 6/6 Concentration: none Effects: none Conditions: none

Darren stares into the fireplace for some time trying to ignore the edge of the armor joint wedging uncomfortably into his hip.

- To think about it, it does seem very unlikely in retrospective, but indeed we didn't kill anyone, - he says, managing to sounds both contemplative and surprised. - Even the dragon is alive. But what does it have to do with the weird hole in the reality and these people trying to kidnap you? You've said they're as false as this world.

[Lentrax]

The response took a moment to come. My… Queen. As they called her. She used a magic similar to send me here. I never questioned where she was sending me. It looked like my woods. And so, I went.

She pauses to take another puff on her pipe.

But ever since arriving, nothing has felt right. It has the right look. The right types of trees and underbrush. But things were just different enough that I assumed it was time that had passed.

Another pause, another puff. The chair squeaks as she rocks for a moment, considering.

And then they came. They said I was not from this world. And consider their name. The Order of Tales…

She blows a streamer of smoke.

This world is nothing but a fantasy. Not a dream, else I would have likely woken up still in the care of my… Queen. But if not a dream, what then?

She takes her pipe and points it at Darren.

A story. A book. A tale for children. It must be for children for so little bloodshed.

She sticks the pipe back between her teeth as she mutters that it explains the lack of decent companionship at the places they have stayed along their travels.

[Infernally Clay]

Nithlaya Battlemaster Fighter // Swords Bard AC: 21 | HP: 22/40 | Initiative: +2 Saves: +4 / +4 / +5 / +1 / +2 / +6 Spell Slots: 1st: 1/4 | 2nd: 2/3 Bardic Inspiration: d6: 1/4 Superiority Die: d8: 2/4 | d6: 1/1 Active Effects: None Conditions:

"Don't be daft," Nithlaya laughs, incredulous, "How can this world be just... a story? We're alive, we make our own choices. We don't disappear when the story changes scene. You can't just flip the page and find out what we're going to do next."

"You want us to believe that we're just pictures in some children's book? Nah, I don't buy it. Whatever you lot are up to you're mistaken. Ask that knight if the scars we gave him are just words on a page."

[Lentrax]

I don’t know, Hinoka replies simply.

Could be as I see it. May not be.

She waves her hand over the bowl of the pipe, and the smoldering dottle was scoured away by magic.

For all I know, if I am right. And if this is a children’s book. They may have to abide by its rules as much as we do. Perhaps here they cannot fight to the death. Perhaps they are bound to it by some magic. Why else call themselves the Order of Tales? Makes some measure of sense to me.

She takes up her goblet, downs the remains of the glass.

[Ilerien]

Spoiler: Statblock

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Darren Arwana Whispers Bard // Vengeance Paladin AC 19 | HP 40/40 | Init 2 Saves: 7 / 3 / 5 / 1 / 2 / 7 Spell slots: 1st 6/7 | 2nd 2/3 Spells: shield 0/1 Bardic Inspiration d6 5/5 Channel Divinity 0/1 Lay on Hands 20/20 Divine Sense 6/6 Concentration: none Effects: none Conditions: none

- I'm pretty sure there's some saner explanation. Like the whole area being put under some sort of spell, - Darren says, downing the contents of his goblet. - The ill-mannered knight, though, looked like he had been very much down to continuing the fight right up until these bright green leaves appeared out of nowhere. They had scared him that instant. Where did they come from, and what did they mean to him? - the knight isn't looking at Hinoka at the moment, so the question sounds like he's inviting his companions to think about it.

[JNAProductions]

There are still a few of the leaves stuck in your clothing or hair.
You have them to examine, should you wish.

[Lentrax]

They don’t really mean anything to me, Hinoka says.

And you can doubt me all you wish. All I know is what I know. And if you feel I do not know what I know, you know you can try to convince me otherwise.

[Ilerien]

Spoiler: Statblock

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Darren Arwana Whispers Bard // Vengeance Paladin AC 19 | HP 40/40 | Init 2 Saves: 7 / 3 / 5 / 1 / 2 / 7 Spell slots: 1st 6/7 | 2nd 2/3 Spells: shield 0/1 Bardic Inspiration d6 5/5 Channel Divinity 0/1 Lay on Hands 20/20 Divine Sense 6/6 Concentration: none Effects: none Conditions: none

The knight sighs and looks at his companions while absentmindedly trying to settle in his chair - again.
- I feel like even the smallest lead can help us crack this mystery. Assuming that's what we want, of course, - he says finally, smiling with a corner of his mouth. - I threw out a couple of the leaves that had landed on my doublet, but, Nith, I think it's one of them behind your left horn. How about we start with examining it? Maybe we can guess what plant it belongs to.

[JNAProductions]

Spoiler: Nature DC 4

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Yup, that's a leaf. It's green.

Spoiler: DC 10

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You do not recognize what kind of tree or plant it might be from.

Spoiler: DC 16

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Looking closely, it doesn't even look like a real leaf. It's leaf-like, but it's not from a plant.

Spoiler: Arcana DC 12

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The leaf feels magical.

Spoiler: DC 17

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It feels somewhat similar to Hinoka's magic-not the same, that's for sure, but there's a general feel that matches.

[Lentrax]

Hinoka takes one of the leaves.

It feels magical, but that could just be from the portal. Whatever it actually was.

She harrumphs softly as she goes on. But it does nothing to prove or disprove anything. At the very least, if we operate under the assumption that this “Order of Tales” are some kind of magical librarians, we have a starting point to make better hypotheses to make sense of it all. So the first question is, do any of you have any memories of places other than the lands just around this dukedom?

[Ilerien]

Spoiler: Statblock

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Darren Arwana Whispers Bard // Vengeance Paladin AC 19 | HP 40/40 | Init 2 Saves: 7 / 3 / 5 / 1 / 2 / 7 Spell slots: 1st 6/7 | 2nd 2/3 Spells: shield 0/1 Bardic Inspiration d6 5/5 Channel Divinity 0/1 Lay on Hands 20/20 Divine Sense 6/6 Concentration: none Effects: none Conditions: none

Darren thinks for a couple of moments and says, his tone somewhat puzzled:
- No? I mean, my father does exchange correspondence with his peers outside the dukedom, but I've never travelled beyond its borders, and, to think about it, I don't remember anyone who has.

He takes the leaf from Hinoka and looks at it closely.
- Mother dearest has humongous gardens, wandering them used to be common pastime of mine. I don't recognize the plant it might belong to, and, frankly, I think it isn't even a real leaf from a real tree. See these fibers? Sharp and jagged like that purple lightning you wield. Minnet mentioned your Queen, might it be something of her doing?

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Arcana: (1d20+2)[19]
Nature: (1d20+2)[22]

[Lentrax]

I do think she would be far more direct. Especially if it comes to me, Hinoka says. She places her pipe back in its pouch, and stands up.

But we have tarried long enough. Frankly, I am more surprised that there hasn’t been a knock at the door to tell us we are late.

She readjusts her things about herself, getting comfortable again.

But then again, now that we are changing scenes… Of course, if there were any justice in this story, it would the dragon come back, saying she was wrong to kidnap the duchess and she much rather fancies me…

Hinoka sighs.

But I would make a terrible author. she says as she reaches for the door handle.

[JNAProductions]

The door does not open. It's not locked. It's just not moving-wholly immobile.

Before you have a chance to properly assess the situation, there's a swirling of leaves. The few green ones that you had join the growing pile, and they mass together into a vaguely-humanoid shape. The leaves then disperse, with a mighty wind, and before you stands a regal woman. Her bearing is that of a monarch's, but her clothes are much simpler-plain browns and grays, though fitted quite well. Behind her is Minnet, with a magical seal over her mouth.

Hinoka has a brief burst of excitement, thinking it might be her queen, but it is not-the woman before you has a similar feel, but she's not the same.

"The story is paused for the moment. It won't last long-the Order Of Tales' Princess here only knows so much when it comes to their patrols. But," she says, "you are coming closer to what truly is. In the deepest darkness of this palace lies another portal. You may have passed by it before, unaware of its presence, but your eyes should be open now. It will lead you to another place-one not so linear as this one. It is your choice to go or not-though you, my dear, won't be safe in this story for much longer," she addresses Hinoka. "The rest of you will likely be told to join the Order, forget everything that happened, or perish at their hands."

Minnet mumbles something incomprehensible through the seal.

The woman adds "You've time for maybe a few questions. Choose them wisely."

Spoiler: OOC

Show

You will get (2d3)[4] short questions and answers.

[Lentrax]

Hinoka’s first thought is, My Queen!

Her next is a brief pang of disappointment that it is not. Though she is startled to see Minnet, the bushy fur of her tail standing on end in the startlement.

You are not my patron Queen, she finally manages.

Who are you?

[JNAProductions]

"A queen from another story. Though your queen has done quite a lot for herself," the woman replies.

[Ilerien]

- Seems members of the royalty pop up like mushrooms after a warm rain these days, - mutters Darren under his breath. - Our fate if we remain is clear. But what happens to everyone else in this... story?

Spoiler: OOC

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Darren isn't inclined to trust this queen at an instant, so I'd like an insight check. Let's see if she's genuine: (1d20+4)[7]

[JNAProductions]

Spoiler: Insight DC 7

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You can't get a good read on her. You think she's being level with you, but you aren't confident in your guess.

"The story will pause, without the heroes. Eventually, it will reset, with a new batch," she replies. "If you stay, and manage to finish the story, it will reset with you, eventually."

[Lentrax]

If we stay, this Order of Tales will likely not let us finish anyway. This portal. You say it is in deep darkness. What else must we watch for to make it successfully?

[JNAProductions]

"This story itself isn't too dangerous. It has violence, but not enough to kill," she says. "The danger lies in the interim area between here and there-your destination is a town of sorts, insulated from the whims of story and the predations of the Order. But, that does mean that the outlying tales tend to be... Dangerous. Your path will, if I am correct, lead through a largely abandoned story-one that was overtaken by the Dragon of the story."

[Lentrax]

An answer of a sort, though not directly to what was asked…. Am I being too paranoid about it?

…

But what if I’m right?

No, Hinoka. What if you’re wrong?

Spoiler: Insight check

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With everything going on, she is not taking anything at face value. Can she get some kind of idea of how on the level this other queen is?

Insight: (1d20+3)[4]

Edit: hah, nope.